Five Ways to Prevent Drowsy Driving Accidents

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 168 million drivers admit they feel drowsy behind the wheel. Along with this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 100,000 car accidents last year happened due to drowsy drivers. With more American drivers admitting they get less sleep each night, there’s a good chance you will either be one of these sleepy drivers yourself, or be the victim of one who is on the road. To make sure you stay safe, here are five ways to prevent drowsy driving accidents.

Get Plenty of Sleep
To make sure you don’t have an accident, get plenty of sleep each night. To feel your best, experts recommend anywhere from six to nine hours each night.

Pull Over and Rest
Whether out late at a party or working the overnight shift, you’ll feel tired when you get behind the wheel. If you start to feel drowsy while driving, pull over and rest. This should be done immediately if you are experiencing:
–Swerving in and out of your lane
–Having trouble remembering the last few miles you’ve driven
–Excessive yawning
–Feeling as if your brain is in a fog
Even if you’re anxious to get home, ignoring these signs is a guarantee you may not make it home.

Have a Driving Partner
If possible, have a driving partner. By taking turns driving, you’ll get refreshed physically and mentally. In many cases, just having someone to talk to while driving will help you stay focused on the road.

Drink Caffeinated Beverages
For many drivers, a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage can help them stay awake and alert behind the wheel. Especially good if you’re heading home from work, one of these drinks may be just what you need.

Use a Designated Driver
If you have consumed alcohol at a bar or party, never get behind the wheel of your vehicle. Instead, use a designated driver. Whether you have a designated driver to drive you home, call a taxi, or use Uber, these options will help you avoid drowsy driving accidents. Otherwise, you’ll be calling a car accident attorney for assistance.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid being involved in drowsy driving accidents. However, if you do find yourself as a party to this type of accident, contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible, since they will know exactly how to handle your case. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another party, our experienced Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles are available to personally review your case.

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